CAA Signs ‘Billy Lynn’ Star Joe Alwyn

EXCLUSIVE: CAA has landed one of the most in-demand young actors around in Joe Alywn. Alwyn had hitherto only been repped by Independent Talent Group in the UK. The 24-year-old, who graduated from acting school Central School of Speech and Drama only this year, seemingly came out of nowhere to nab the lead role in Ang Lee’s Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk. He also co-stars in Ritesh Batra’s The Sense Of An Ending opposite Jim Broadbent and Emily Mortimer.

Billy Lynn is about 19-year-old Army private, who, along with his Bravo company, survives a harrowing Iraq battle covered by news cameras that instantly makes them famous enough to be brought home by the Defense Department for a promotional tour culminating in a spectacular halftime show at a Thanksgiving Day football game. Alwyn plays Billy and the cast includes Vin Diesel, Chris Tucker, Kristen Stewart and Steve Martin. The movie is based on Ben Fountain’s bestselling novel. The project is still in post, with early word suggesting that Alwyn more than holds his own opposite his more illustrious co-stars.

This is a big get for CAA with all the major agencies circling Alwyn for months now. He will continue to be co-repped by Independent.